Overview of Levovanox
Quick Facts
- Drug Class: Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
- Mechanism: Inhibits bacterial DNA topoisomerases
- Active Ingredient: Levofloxacin
Levovanox Overview
Levovanox is a broad-spectrum prescription antibiotic that belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antimicrobial agents. The active ingredient in Levovanox is levofloxacin, which is the S-(-) optical isomer of the older drug ofloxacin, giving it a more potent antibacterial effect.
This medication is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in adults, including those affecting the:
- Upper and lower respiratory tract (such as certain types of pneumonia and bronchitis)
- Urinary tract
- Skin and skin structures
- Prostate
In some cases, it is also indicated for the post-exposure management of inhalational anthrax and the treatment of plague caused by susceptible bacteria.
How Levovanox Works
Levovanox (levofloxacin) works by interfering with the essential machinery that bacteria need to replicate and repair themselves. Specifically, it inhibits two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase (a type II topoisomerase) and DNA topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are crucial for unwinding and rewinding bacterial DNA during transcription and replication. By blocking their activity, Levovanox prevents the bacteria from multiplying, leading to their death. It is important to note that this antibiotic is not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.

